Subjunctive Review

The subjunctive mood is used in complex sentences to express hypothetical situations (things that may or may not be real or factual) or situations toward which the speaker is expressing feelings or attitude. SUBJUNCTIVE IN NOUN CLAUSES The independent clause (or main clause) stands alone and expresses a complete idea. The dependent clause (or subordinate clause) cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause to complete its message

Ejemplos Recomiendo que sigas una dieta saludable. Independent clause Subject = yo Verb expressing desire in the indicative mood Dependent clause Subject = tú Verb in the subjunctive mood (I recommend that you follow a balanced diet.)

No es bueno que esta comida tenga mucha grasa. Independent clause Subject = (it) impersonal Impersonal expression indicating opinion in the indicative mood Dependent clause Subject = la comida Verb in the subjunctive mood (It is not good that the food has a lot of grease.)

Espero que no tengamos tarea el fin de semana. Independent clause Subject = yo Verb expressing wish in the indicative mood Dependent clause Subject = nosotros Verb in the subjunctive mood (I hope that we don’t have homework on the weekend.)

If the verb or expression in the independent (main) clause does not express wish, preference, recommendation, opinion, etc. THEN The verb in the dependent clause must also use the indicative mood.

Yo sé que tenemos que hacer ejercicios. Independent clause Verb that expresses certainty (fact) in the indicative mood Dependent clause Verb in the indicative mood (I know that we have to exercise.) Independent clause Impersonal expression of certainty in the indicative mood Dependent clause Verb in the indicative mood (It is obvious that she follows a healthy diet.)  Es obvio que ella sigue una dieta saludable

The subjunctive doesn’t like my C.A.T.! Certainty / Knowledge Affirmation Truth

Some other verbs and expressions that normally take the indicative in subordinate clauses (the sentence after the que) include: Certainty / Knowlege: Estar seguro, Es cierto (to be certain / sure); saber (to know).saber Affirmation: creer (to believe for a FACT), pensar (to think for a FACT). declarar (to declare).creer pensardeclarar Truth: Es verdad (to be the truth)

Sé que Elena habla español.  I know that Elena speaks Spanish.  Knowlege: Indicative Es verdad que yo lo hice.  It's true that I did it.  Truth: Indicative Creo que están en casa.  I think they're at home.  Affirmation or belief (for a fact): Indicative

Cuidado A expression of certainty takes the subjunctive when in the negative (because now you introduced doubt) -Creo que Alma habla español -No creo que Alma hable español _Pienso que Alma habla español -No pienso que Alma hable español

When NOT to use the Subjunctive We DO NOT use subjunctive to express facts, beliefs, truth, certainties or the obvious. Creo que... I believe/think (FOR A FACT) that...  Creo que tengo buenas notas No hay duda que... There is no doubt that...  No hay duda que hablo español Es obvio/ cierto/ verdad/ un hecho que....It's obvious, certain, true, a fact that...  Es cierto que tengo 16 años. Yo sé que...(tú sabes que...)I know (FOR A FACT) or You know (FOR A FACT) that..  Yo sé que soy muy buena amiga.

When NOT to use the Subjunctive We also do not use the subjunctive when discussing people or things we know exist: Hay una secretaria que habla español.  There is a secretary who can speak Spanish. Busco al hombre que tiene la llave.  I'm looking for the guy who has the key. [I know there is such a guy-he exists.]